Francis Coleman Hagan

December 7, 2016

Francis Coleman Hagan (Frank) - Born in Philadelphia, PA December 9, 1927 and he retired to Sanibel Island, FL in 1988. He was an active member of Rotary and Sanibel Think Tank. Frank entered Girard College at the age of six, graduating early at the age of 16. After graduation, he entered the Merchant Marine Service delivering and returning troops and materials via the North Atlantic during World War II. He spent his 18th birthday in the liberated Paris. His Indian and Harley Davidson motorcycles took him to Bike Week in Daytona, and to a roller skating rink at home where he met the love of his life Norma. They were married for over 65 years. Frank worked at Gimbels Department store while attending college, but was called to serve in the United States Army at Fort Benning and Fort Sill during the Korean War. After his second call to duty, he returned to Philadelphia and through Drexel University became a Metallurgist and Metallurgical Engineer. His family grew by three, Cindy, Gary and Kathy. He filled the family's lives with adventurous camping trips from Cape Cod through the Shenandoah Valley. The mountain adventures continued as he hand built an octagonal mountain cabin in the Poconos. He taught the family how to build, fish, swim, float down a river, row a boat, ride bikes and motorcycles, burn popcorn, and have fun. He spent his 75th birthday zip lining through the jungles of Costa Rica. His research and technical skills as a Professional Engineer created the opportunity for the family to move to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico for several years as he helped open a new factory for his longtime employer Standard Pressed Steel. Frank possessed a keen wit and mischievous nature which he regularly displayed in the presence of his grandchildren. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, always eager to be present at their scout functions, athletic competitions, performances and graduations. He was especially proud to be able to attend Eagle Scout ceremonies for his grandsons Glenn and Duncan. For a guy who grew up without parents, he really knew how to be a great husband, Dad, Grandfather and friend.